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Research Project
A sustainable multi-strain, multi-method, multi-product microalgae biorefinery integrating industrial side streams to create high-value products for food, feed and fragrance
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Publications
Conceptual Design of an Autotrophic Multi-Strain Microalgae-Based Biorefinery: Preliminary Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Assessments
Publication . Lopes, Tiago; Ortigueira, Joana; Matos, Cristina T.; Costa, Luis; Ribeiro, Cláudia; Reis, Alberto; Gírio, Francisco
ABSTRACT: Microalgae represent a promising solution in addressing the impacts associated with the current agricultural and manufacturing practices which are causing irreparable environmental damage. Microalgae have considerable biosynthetic potential, being a rich source of lipids, proteins, and high-value compounds. Under the scope of the H2020-BBI MULTI-STR3AM project, an innovative large-scale production system of valuable commodities for the food, feed, and fragrance sectors is being developed on the basis of microalgae, reducing costs, increasing the scale of production, and boosting value chain sustainability. In this work, we aimed to create a process model that can mimic an industrial plant to estimate mass and energy balances, optimize scheduling, and calculate production costs for a large-scale plant. Three autotrophic microalgae strains (Nannochloropsis sp., Dunaliella sp. and Spirulina sp.) were considered for this assessment, as well as the use of locally sourced CO2 (flue gas). The developed process model is a useful tool for obtaining the data required for techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of industrial biorefinery-based processes. Nannochloropsis sp. was the most economic option, whereas Dunaliella sp. was the most expensive strain to produce due to its lower productivity. Preliminary environmental assessments of the climate change impact category revealed that water recirculation and the use of flue gas could lead to values of 5.6, 10.6, and 9.2 kgCO(2eq)center dot kg(AFDW)(-1) for Nannochloropsis sp., Dunaliella sp., and Spirulina sp., respectively, with electricity and NaCl as the main contributors. The obtained data allow for the quantification of the production costs and environmental impacts of the microalgal biomass fractions produced, which will be fundamental for future comparison studies and in determining if they are higher or lower than those of the replaced products. The process model developed in this work provides a useful tool for the evaluation and optimization of large-scale microalgae production systems.
Bridging gaps in biorefineries: The unexplored role of social dimension in life cycle assessment research
Publication . Ortigueira, Joana; Lopes, Tiago
ABSTRACT: This review examines the disregarded role of social dimensions in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within biorefinery implementation, addressing the question: "How can the inclusion of social factors in LCA improve sustainability assessments, and what are the implications of the limited Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) studies in biorefineries?" A systematic literature review was conducted using Web of ScienceTM, focusing on studies that integrate social dimensions in LCA. Bibliometric analysis using the bibliometrix R-package and VOSviewer identified key trends, influential papers, and research gaps. Results revealed a significant gap in incorporating social dimensions into biorefinery LCA, with most studies focusing primarily on environmental and economic impacts. Limited attention is given to social aspects such as community well-being, labor rights, and social equity. Case studies that included social factors demonstrated a more comprehensive sustainability assessment, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and social acceptability in biorefinery projects. This review highlights the need for standardized social indicators and methodologies to integrate social dimensions effectively. The lack of S-LCA in biorefinery implementation reflects a critical gap in sustainability assessments. Addressing this requires developing a unified S-LCA methodology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and encouraging stakeholder participation to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Ultimately, incorporating social dimensions is essential for achieving a more balanced and comprehensive evaluation of biorefinery sustainability.
Microalgae-associated Stenotrophomonas maltophilia enhances lutein production and biostimulant activity in Monoraphidium sp
Publication . Manoel, João; Štěrbová, Karolína; Saini, Mohit Kumar; Barcenas-Perez, Daniela; Cheel, José; Grivalsky, Tomás; Lakatos, Gergely Erno; Lukes, Martin; Urajová, Petra; Ferreira, Alice; Figueiredo, Daniel; Gouveia, Luisa; Masojidek, Jiri; Saurav, Kumar
ABSTRACT: Photosynthetic organisms like microalgae can collect solar energy and transform it into biochemical compounds as other forms of energy that can be utilized in metabolic processes. In nature, microalgae coexist with bacterial communities and may maintain a symbiotic relationship. In the current study, a heterotrophic bacterium, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated from the phycosphere of a cold-adapted green microalga Monoraphidium sp. (further abbreviated as Monoraphidium). By using advanced liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), we were able to detect homoserine lactones (HSLs): 3OHC12-HSL, 3OHC10-HSL, 3OHC14-HSL, C10-HSL, C8-HSL, and OC14-HSL, produced by S. maltophilia. Further, the role of this bacterium in establishing intricate relationships and its implication on biotechnological potential was evaluated. Significant improvements were found in the lutein production of the Monoraphidium culture with bacterial supplements, achieving about 19.3 +/- 0.88 mg g-1 DW of this carotenoid compared to 13.7 +/- 1.87 mg g-1 DW in the control, which represents an increase of about 40 %. Furthermore, the biostimulant potential of Monoraphidium was evaluated using the germination tests with tomato and barley seeds. A higher germination index was observed with improvements of 55 % in tomato and 110 % in barley, respectively, as compared to the control culture, which was related to the microalgae's growth stage. The role of the bacterium was evaluated in how the intricate relationships with the microalgal culture can affect its biotechnological potential (e.g., biostimulant activity and lutein production). The current work expands our knowledge towards designing an efficient polyculture based on complementary traits and metabolic potential to maximize the yield and bioactivity in algal biotechnology.
Integrating social aspects in microalgal biorefineries: a Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) approach
Publication . Ortigueira, Joana; Lopes, Tiago; Reis, Alberto; Gírio, Francisco
ABSTRACT: The ongoing climate change phenomenon requires the reduction of atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Microalgal biorefineries, which convert atmospheric CO2 into chemical energy, offer a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based industrial systems. This study assesses the social impacts of microalgal biorefineries using the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment database approach, focusing on an industrial facility located in P & oacute;voa de Santa Iria, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal. The foreground system involves the production of microalgae in cascade raceway systems, followed by their refinement into protein, lipid and carbohydrate fractions. Dedicated surveys were distributed to the local community to collect social data, which was then analyzed using the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database and a newly designed evaluation schema. Preliminary data from approximately 300 valid responses indicated that the local community faces a medium risk of being unfamiliar with the concept of microalgae or its benefits but acknowledged the high probability of local economic benefits and job creation upon implementation. The study highlights a general lack of familiarity with microalgae among the local community, which could affect the acceptance of the biorefinery. Although the PSILCA approach identifies social hotspots effectively, reliance on generic data may not accurately represent the local context. The study underscores the need for enhanced information dissemination to improve community acceptance and support for microalgal biorefineries. Preliminary data collection and analysis highlight the potential for social benefits, but further research is required to address the identified limitations.
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Funding agency
European Commission
Funding programme
H2020
Funding Award Number
887227